28 June 2018
We set off on 28 June from Oban for our ten days exploration of the Hebrides with the hope that we’d visit St Kilda. We did, and so much more. The crew (Chris (skipper), Alexa (wildlife guide), Pete (cook), Emma (bosun), were fantastic from the off. They effortlessly transported our mountain of luggage to our comfortable cabins which Emma kept spotless through the cruise, as well as looking after us on the rough crossing to St Kilda through to Caribbean strength G&Ts. Chris was a really good skipper. He sailed the boat well and did his best to find a route that best managed his passengers’ seafaring abilities, and he also had a ceremony to give homage to the Blue Men of the Minch! Pete’s amazing menus incorporated our requests – I’ll always remember his mussels on the first night, his haggis Scotch eggs, my mother’s clootie dumpling and much more – and we appreciated how he involved the kids (9 to 11) in the kitchen. Alexa (with Chris) magic’d up an amazing array of wildlife with huge enthusiasm and great knowledge. We became blasé about the number of dolphins we saw – I can best quote Chris “the weather and the wildlife sightings are some of the best I’ve known in almost 20 years”. The weather was fantastic which enabled us to land and explore Tobermory, Canna, Sanday, Taransay, Hirta (St. Kilda), Mingulay, Vatersay, Rum, Lunga (Treshnish Isles) and Loch Buie, as well as sailing past Neist Point (Skye), Boreray (St. Kilda), Monachs, Hellisay in the Sound of Barra, Eigg, Staffa, Ulva and Iona. The weather was so good we were able to swim off Sanday, Taransay, Mingulay and Vatersay, as well as enjoy the hot tub. This was a trip of a lifetime for us all. We were able to see so many places which have been specks on the horizon for so long. The cruise was magical and extra special. It’s given us memories to last a lifetime!
George Mitchell
Fellow guests have already expressed how you looked after us so wonderfully on a recent charter on Emma Jane but you all did such a good job you deserve all the praise we can give you! Please know how much all your hard work, friendliness and expertise was appreciated by us all As a repeat guest I knew my friends were in for a treat sailing on one of your lovely vessels and we weren’t disappointed as the holiday exceeded even my expectations. Thanks to Rob for guiding us safely through the weather, Zoe for her enthusiasm and knowledge, Sofia for pampering us ( and amazing table decorations) and last , but definitely not least , Nicola for her truly delicious gastronomic delights. To all the crew , Rob, Zoe , Sofia and Nicola , you made our holiday extra special and as we said our goodbyes it was like leaving friends behind rather than hosts! Well done Hebrides Cruises and full marks for yet another fabulous trip .
Hilary Holt: 1 June 2024Private Charter 6 Nights